Mock, mock: Once again

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Have you heard, the NFL draft is this weekend? So the mocks are flying fast and furious.

Here’s a sampling of the latest predictions for the Seahawks’ first-round pick:

Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com: DE Lawrence Jackson, USC
The Seahawks have bigger needs at defensive tackle and tight end, but could attempt to repeat the Giants’ success last season in rotating pass rushers. Jackson, a four-year starter for the Trojans, would offer more of an immediate impact in Mike Holmgren’s last year in Seattle.

Peter King, SI.com: DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
I love what Don Banks wrote about this guy. He said he hoped the Ravens picked him, so he could be Balmer of the Bal’mer Ravens.

Don Banks, SI.com: Balmer
This seems to be around the slot Balmer is expected to go, and with the Seahawks having lost veteran tackles Chuck Darby and Ellis Wyms this offseason, Seattle has an obvious need. Balmer had an inconsistent collegiate career, but he’s the consensus third-ranked DT behind Dorsey and Ellis. Purdue tight end Dustin Keller is another strong first-round option for Seattle.

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: TE Dustin Keller, Purdue
Take a look at their tight end depth chart. It isn’t pretty. Keller can become a weapon in the middle of the field.

Nolan Nawrocki, Pro Football Weekly: TE John Carlson, Notre Dame
Does not stand out in any area but is a very safe pick.

War Room, Sporting News: RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
The Seahawks don’t plan on solely featuring Julius Jones. While former Duck Maurice Morris is a backup, Stewart can step in and share the load with Jones and T.J. Duckett.

Clare Farnsworth, Sporting News correspondents mock: Stewart
I don’t really expect him to be here, and neither do the Seahawks. But in this mock, Stewart was available. So I took him, and so would the Seahawks.

Clifton Brown, Sporting News: ILB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
Did you see the way the Packers manhandled Seattle’s defense in the playoffs? Linebacker is not their biggest need, but the Seahawks must get more physical. Mayo is a sure tackler who has proved himself against top college competition.

Talk about all over the board – in position and players. The reaction, of course, is to scoff, “But what do these guys know?” I do it, and I know you do it.

But check out what Seahawks president Tim Ruskell had to say Friday: “We look at all the mock drafts also. Historically, some have been more correct than others. We play that game. We call other teams and ask who is going around you. If you call enough, you can get a pretty good feel for that. That helps. You want to be realistic about your list (of possible selections) and we have been pretty good about that. Our guys do a great job of gathering information.”